Are you considering getting a dog but want to know what breeds require the most care and attention?
Some dog breeds are more high-maintenance than others that require extra effort to keep them healthy, happy, and well-trained.
A study shows why people choose different types of dogs, such as purebreds, mixed-breeds, or designer breeds, and found that a dog’s looks, popularity, and how well it fits with their lifestyle affect their decision.1
Here are 18 high-maintenance breeds for you to choose from.
1. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is a hound breed known for its thick, fine, silky coat and a tail with a ring curl at the end. It originates from the cold mountains of Afghanistan.
High maintenance needs:
- Grooming: The long, flowing coat of the Afghan Hound requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles. Regular bathing and thorough drying are essential to maintain its luxurious fur.
- Exercise: Afghan Hounds are energetic and need daily exercise. Long walks, playtime, and mental stimulation are vital to keep them happy.
- Attention: They thrive on companionship and can suffer from separation anxiety. They need to be close to their human family members.
- Health: Regular veterinary check-ups are necessary to monitor their health, especially for conditions like hip dysplasia and heart issues.
2. Puli
Pulis are small-medium herding dogs known for their corded coat, which resembles dreadlocks.
High maintenance needs:
- Grooming: Maintaining the cords requires regular separation and care. Bathing and drying are time-consuming due to the dense coat.
- Exercise: Pulis are agile and need physical activity. Mental challenges, such as training and puzzle toys, are essential.
- Attention: They bond closely with their owners and dislike being left alone for long periods.
- Health: Regular vet visits are crucial to monitor their overall health and address any specific breed-related issues.
3. Border Collie
A Border Collie is a highly intelligent, energetic, and versatile herding dog breed recognized for their exceptional work ethic, intense stare, agility, and responsive nature.
High maintenance needs:
- Exercise: Border Collies require substantial physical and mental exercise. They thrive on challenging activities like agility training and herding.
- Mental Stimulation: Their intelligence demands mental challenges, such as puzzle toys and interactive games.
- Attention: They form strong bonds with their families and need companionship.
- Health: Regular check-ups are essential to monitor their overall health, especially for conditions like hip dysplasia and eye problems.
4. Brussels Griffon
A Brussels Griffon is a toy dog breed known for their distinctive facial features, available in two coat types—smooth or rough—and characterized by their curious, playful, and lively nature
High maintenance needs:
- Grooming: Their silky coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting. Regular dental care is essential.
- Attention: They are affectionate and need close companionship. Loneliness can lead to anxiety.
- Health: Regular vet visits are crucial to monitor their health, especially for respiratory issues and dental problems.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are graceful, affectionate, and adaptable dog breeds with soft, silky coats, and loving demeanor, making them ideal companions for families, seniors, and individuals seeking devoted and loyal pets.
High maintenance needs:
- Grooming: Their silky coat requires regular brushing to prevent tangles. Regular ear cleaning is essential.
- Attention: They thrive on human companionship and can suffer from separation anxiety.
- Health: Regular vet visits are necessary to monitor their heart health (mitral valve disease) and other potential issues
6. Cocker Spaniel
They are charming, playful, and affectionate dog breeds known for their expressive, adorable face, soft, wavy coat, and friendly disposition that makes them wonderful family pets.
High maintenance needs:
- Grooming: Regular brushing and trimming are essential to prevent matting.
- Exercise: They need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.
- Attention: They are social dogs and enjoy being part of the family.
- Health: Regular vet visits are beneficial to monitor their overall health, especially for ear and eye problems.
7. Chow Chow
A Chow Chow is a dignified, loyal, and independent dog breed recognized for their unique, lion-like mane.
High maintenance needs:
- Grooming: Their thick double coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting. They shed heavily.
- Socialization: Early socialization is essential to prevent aggression.
- Health: Regular vet visits are necessary to monitor their health, especially for hip dysplasia and eye issues.
Fun Fact: Chow Chow’s can have purple tongues.
8. Maltese
Maltese dogs are known for their elegant, pure white coat, and playful yet gentle disposition, making them a popular choice for those seeking devoted and hypoallergenic companions.
High maintenance needs:
- Grooming: Daily brushing is necessary to prevent tangles. Regular bathing and eye cleaning are essential.
- Attention: They thrive on companionship and can suffer from separation anxiety.
- Health: Regular vet visits are crucial to monitor their overall health, especially for dental problems and luxating patellas (ref).
9. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is a British breed known for their energetic and intelligent nature. They have a sturdy build, with a flat skull and large dark brown eyes. The coat can be smooth, rough, or broken.
High maintenance needs:
- Grooming: Regular brushing is essential to prevent matting and tangles in their coat.
- Exercise: Jack Russells need plenty of exercise to keep them happy and well-behaved. They thrive on physical activity and mental stimulation.
- Attention: They bond closely with their families and require companionship. Loneliness can lead to anxiety.
10. Poodle
Poodles are intelligent and athletic dogs. They come in four sizes: Standard, Medium, Miniature, and Toy. Their coats can be curly or wavy.
High maintenance needs:
- Grooming: Poodles require regular grooming to prevent matting. Their non-shedding coat needs frequent brushing.
- Exercise: They are active dogs and need physical and mental stimulation.
- Health: Regular vet visits are needed to check for their overall health.
11. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are small toy dogs with a soft and long double coat. They have an underbite, which is a breed standard.
High maintenance needs:
- Grooming: Regular brushing (at least every 2-3 days) is necessary to prevent tangles and mats.
- Exercise: They are playful and active, needing daily exercise.
- Health: Regular vet visits are essential to monitor their health.
12. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus have a lion-like face and a long, flowing coat. They are intelligent and friendly.
High maintenance needs:
- Grooming: Their coat requires regular brushing to prevent tangles and matting. Professional grooming is often necessary.
- Exercise: They enjoy playtime but are not overly active. Short walks and indoor play suffice.
- Health: They require regular vet visits as well.
13. Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is a robust, medium-sized, and highly intelligent breed with a water-resistant, curly or wavy coat, known for its exceptional swimming abilities, energetic nature, and eagerness to please.
High maintenance needs:
- Grooming: Regular brushing is essential to prevent matting. Their coat is non-shedding.
- Exercise: They are athletic and enjoy water activities. Regular exercise keeps them happy.
- Health: Regular vet visits are necessary to monitor their health.
14. Bulldog
Bulldogs are a distinctive breed with a wrinkly face, short muzzle, and stout body, known for their calm, loyal, and courageous nature.
High maintenance needs:
- Health: Bulldogs are prone to respiratory issues due to their flat face. Regular vet check-ups are essential.
- Skin Care: Their wrinkles need regular cleaning to prevent infections.
- Exercise: They are not very active but need short walks to maintain a healthy weight.
15. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are large, gentle dogs with a thick coat. They are known for their rescue work in the Alps.
High maintenance needs:
- Grooming: Regular brushing is necessary to prevent matting.
- Health: They are prone to hip dysplasia and bloat. Regular vet visits are crucial.
- Exercise: They need moderate exercise to stay fit.
16. Komondor
Komondors have a unique corded coat that resembles dreadlocks. They are large and protective dog breeds.
High maintenance needs:
- Grooming: Their coat requires special care. Regular separation and maintenance of cords are important.
- Exercise: They need moderate exercise and mental stimulation.
- Health: Regular vet visits are necessary since they are predisposed to certain health issues common in large dog breeds.
17. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are small, spirited, and fluffy dogs characterized by their lively demeanor, fox-like face, and plush double coat.
High maintenance needs:
- Grooming: Regular brushing is essential to prevent matting. Their coat sheds seasonally.
- Exercise: They are active and enjoy playtime.
- Health: They require regular health checkups as they are susceptible to certain health issues common in small dog breeds, such as dental problems, luxating patellas, and collapsed trachea (ref).
18. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working sled dog that originated in Northeast Asia. They have a compact build, thickly furred double coat, erect triangular ears, and come in black, gray, red, and white colors.
High maintenance needs:
- Grooming: Their coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles. They also shed seasonally, so consistent grooming is essential.
- Exercise: These dogs are active and energetic, needing regular physical activity and mental stimulation.
- Health: Regular veterinary check-ups are needed since they can be susceptible to hip dysplasia and eye issues (ref).
- Companionship: Siberian Huskies are social animals and enjoy being part of the family.
While each pup comes with its own set of demands and charms, understanding your level of commitment is key to a harmonious pet-owner relationship. By considering the grooming, training, and exercise needs of these pampered breeds, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle and dedication level.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.